Directions Unit: Research| '1974' Film

To help us to gain an idea with specific directing styles, we watched the film 'Red Riding 1974'. This drama-based film consists of a rookie journalist whom tries to solve the mystery of a serial killer based in Yorkshire called the 'Yorkshire Ripper' (based on a true event however is fictionalised).

After watching the film, it was clear of the director's (Catherine Hardwicke) stylistic approach. This mainly focused on the use of the camera - the camera would often be positioned to the side of the shot. This made me personally feel quite uncomfortable and awkward as you would feel like you're in the scene due to the closeness, however put to the side. I noticed this throughout the film and it worked greatly especially in scenes where the narrative would be at a turning point.

Another stylistic approach I noticed was the way Hardwicke added a very subtle grain to some scenes within the film - especially when focusing on the gypys and the deprived state they were living in. This becomes instantly recognisable and works effectively to show the disruption within a story - a sense that there was something wrong yet enigmatic as we don't know what (i.e. who the serial killer is).

To conclude, I felt that this film enabled me to experience how directors can have their own unique approach, which generally should help me create my own individuality when doing this project.